Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested the cancellation of his scheduled testimony in his criminal trial on Monday, arguing that the security situation and political developments in the country make it impossible for him to appear in court at this time, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported.
According to Israeli media reporting, Netanyahu's request was submitted due to ongoing security tensions and his political commitments as prime minister at a sensitive time for Israel.
But the State Attorney's Office has rejected this request. As quoted by Haaretz, the prosecution stated that "in the absence of urgent and concrete security needs that cannot be postponed, the defendant must adapt his agenda to the testimony dates set by the court."
Netanyahu is on trial on several corruption charges, including bribery, fraud and breach of trust - charges he has consistently denied, describing the trials as a political "witch hunt" against him.
His trial is one of the most important political and legal issues in Israel in recent years, as it is the first time a sitting prime minister has faced a criminal trial while still holding office.
